THE CRISIS OF REGIONAL MEDIATION: IGAD, NEUTRALITY CONTESTATION AND THE FRAGMENTATION OF PEACE INITIATIVES IN SUDAN’S CONFLICT
Abstract
Purpose of Study: This article critically examines the challenges faced by IGAD in the Sudan peace process from 2023 to 2026.
Problem Statement: The outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) generated one of the gravest political and humanitarian crises in contemporary Africa. Since the beginning of the conflict, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) attempted to position itself as a central regional mediator in line with its historical role in peacebuilding within the Horn of Africa. However, IGAD’s mediation initiatives encountered substantial resistance from the Sudanese Armed Forces, which accused the regional bloc of bias and questioned its neutrality, particularly regarding the role of Kenya and other member states. Simultaneously, the proliferation of competing mediation platforms—including the Jeddah process, African Union initiatives, United Nations diplomacy, neighboring state interventions, and bilateral tracks—produced fragmentation that weakened coordination and undermined coherent peacemaking efforts.
Methodology: Drawing upon theories of regionalism, mediation, and conflict resolution, the study analyzes the institutional limitations of IGAD, geopolitical rivalries among member states, contestation over neutrality, and the broader fragmentation of mediation architecture in Sudan.
Result: The findings revealed that IGAD’s difficulties reflect deeper structural weaknesses affecting African regional organizations in complex intrastate conflicts where member states possess divergent interests and external powers actively shape conflict dynamics.
Conclusion: The study proposes institutional reforms aimed at strengthening regional mediation mechanisms, enhancing legitimacy, improving coordination among mediators, and fostering inclusive Sudanese-led peace processes.
Keywords: IGAD, Sudan conflict, mediation, neutrality, regional organizations
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